Is that a good question?

You will probably ask whether it is really important to examine the carbon footprint of broadband networks. You may be afraid that this is about the greenwashing of a major industry. Rumours are circulating that the Internet and data transmission are climate-damaging energy guzzlers.

As a responsible manufacturer of network technology for broadband service, we have taken a close look at this issue. This is because R&M wants to help minimise CO₂ emissions quickly and sustainably. We want to give our customers the best possible orientation when they invest in networks.

Broadband networks are currently being expanded all over the world and many new, extended FO networks are being laid. R&M supports and supplies numerous large-scale projects. That’s why the carbon footprint issue definitely plays an important role for us. Current studies and a few facts provide answers.

To the facts

• Broadband networks require electrical energy. Data does not come into our homes from the cloud under its own steam. Access networks account for 70% to 80% of the power consumption in this sector.

• There are quite a few electrical systems working around the clock between the central office of the network operator and the subscriber. These include routers, switches, and transceivers. All electronic equipment ultimately contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and must therefore be geared towards energy efficiency.

• Telecommunications services today already consume two to 3% of the energy generated worldwide. Data traffic is increasing, for example, through video streaming, online gaming, and teleworking. Data transmission can account for up to 80 % of the power consumption of video streaming. People have fun watching YouTube videos or Netflix movies. But it can’t be done without electricity.

• The energy efficiency of the various transmission technologies and media (fibre optic, copper, cellular phone networks) differs considerably. There is a big difference between transmitting light signals via fibre optics, transmitting electrical signals via copper cable, or high-frequency signals via an antenna. In terms of data transmission, 1 kg of glass is as powerful as 1000 kg of copper.

• Based on energy consumption per bit rate, copper-based broadband networks (VDSL2 vectoring, super vectoring) consume up to seventeen times more electricity than full-fibre networks. This is according to a report from the German broadband association BREKO from January 2021. The industry consultants at WIK Consult have calculated that telecom companies can save 60% of energy costs by switching off the copper networks.

• One result of the German research project Green Cloud Computing in September 2020 confirms: «CO₂ emissions are at their lowest when HD video is streamed to the home via a fibre-optic connection». Each hour of video streaming produces two grams of CO₂. The value refers to the effectiveness of the data transmission and the data centre where the video is stored. In the case of copper cables (VDSL transmission), the figure is four grams and for 5G radio five grams of CO₂ per hour.

Clear result

From R&M’s point of view, the situation is clear: When it comes to protecting the atmosphere, Fiber to the Home is a good choice.

Anyone who opts for fibre optic networks is opting for the lowest possible power consumption in data transmission and thus the lowest possible CO₂ emissions.

Data traffic does not work entirely without electricity. But we can all opt for devices that are as energy-efficient as possible and have a climate-friendly power supply.

In addition, the BREKO study adds the following: Fiber optic networks are more reliable than copper-based alternatives with fewer service interruptions, fewer failures, and lower maintenance costs. This also saves energy.

One more thing

Fibre optics are, in a way, sustainable by nature. They are made of silicate, which is available in virtually unlimited quantities. The raw material can be extracted and recycled at a reasonable cost. Optical fibres are light and thin. This means they can be transported with minimal effort.

R&M also supports network operators with solutions that ensure sustainability and high efficiency right from the planning and construction phase. Read more about R&M’s approach to sustainability here.

I would like to invite you to engage in an in-depth debate on sustainability. Let’s swap ideas on how to constantly improve the carbon footprint of the telecommunications and network industry. Write your comment at the bottom of the page.